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Tilkut Laddu Recipe – Traditional Sesame & Jaggery Sweet

Tilkut Laddu is a traditional Indian sweet made mainly during the winter season, especially around Makar Sankranti. It is very popular in eastern India, particularly in Bihar and Jharkhand, where tilkut holds cultural and seasonal importance. Made from sesame seeds (til) and jaggery (gur), this sweet is known for its rich nutty flavor, natural sweetness, and warming properties. In earlier times, tilkut was prepared using stone grinders, giving it a distinct texture and aroma. Even today, Tilkut Laddu is cherished as a symbol of tradition, health, and togetherness during festivals and winters.

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Tilkut Laddu Recipe

Ingredients

• White sesame seeds – 2 cups
• Jaggery (grated) – 1½ cups
• Roasted peanuts (coarsely crushed) – ½ cup
• Cardamom powder – 1 teaspoon
• Ghee – 1 teaspoon (for greasing hands)
• Chopped dry fruits (optional – cashew/almond) – 2 tablespoons

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Method

Step 1: Roast the Sesame Seeds
Heat a heavy pan on low to medium flame. Add the white sesame seeds and dry roast them slowly while stirring continuously. Roast until they turn light golden and start crackling. Do not over-roast, as burnt sesame seeds can turn bitter. Remove from heat and let them cool completely.

Step 2: Grind the Sesame Seeds
Once cooled, grind the roasted sesame seeds into a coarse powder. Do not make it very fine; a slightly grainy texture gives Tilkut Laddu its authentic taste and feel.

Step 3: Melt the Jaggery
Add grated jaggery to a pan and heat it on low flame. Stir continuously until it melts completely. Avoid adding water unless necessary. Once melted and slightly bubbly, turn off the heat.

Step 4: Prepare the Mixture
Immediately add the ground sesame seeds, roasted peanuts, cardamom powder, and chopped dry fruits to the melted jaggery. Mix everything thoroughly to form a uniform mixture.

Step 5: Shape the Laddus
While the mixture is still warm, grease your palms lightly with ghee. Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into medium-sized round laddus. If the mixture cools down and becomes hard, gently reheat it for a few seconds.

Step 6: Cool and Set
Place the laddus on a plate and allow them to cool completely. Once cooled, they will become firm and perfectly set.

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Serving and Storage Tips

• Tilkut Laddus taste best during winters and can be enjoyed with milk or tea.
• Store them in an airtight container; they stay fresh for 15–20 days.
• These laddus are perfect for festivals, gifting, and travel snacks.

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Health Benefits of Tilkut Laddu

• Sesame seeds help keep the body warm and are rich in calcium and healthy fats.
• Jaggery improves digestion and is a good source of iron.
• Peanuts and dry fruits add protein and energy, making this sweet both nutritious and filling.

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